Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

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Don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers…at least I don’t think so.

For the first time, since probably the Harry Potter movies started coming out in theaters, I did NOT see the midnight showing of the first installment of the last book. However, I did have a legitimate excuse, watching Jon Stewart tape The Daily Show was pretty awesome. Regardless, I did go out on opening day later that night.

I wish I could say that I remember how the book played out but it’s been several years since I read it. So unfortunately, I cannot say yay or nay as to whether it stayed true to the book in all aspects although to my knowledge it was pretty much on point. Which leads me to this: Part 1 of the Deathly Hallows made up for what the Half-Blood Prince was missing.

One of my biggest disappointments with the Half-Blood Prince was the fact that it wasn’t as dark as it should have been and that it was missing large chunks of action and backstory that was present in the book. The 6th book could have used a two part installment and I’m surprised that they didn’t because one, it would have made Warner Brothers (and everyone involved) more money, and two, it would have given them ample time to cover more of the main events of the book (Voldemort’s backstory and so forth). But anyways, onto the Deathly Hallows Part 1…

One complaint I heard from some people while leaving the theater was that this movie was lacking in action, and that’s true. Now for those that have read the books, we all know that there’s a lot of leading up to the final showdown, so for those disappointed in the lack of action in this movie, don’t fret there will be enough in Part 2.

From a purely look-at-where-they-started-and-where-they-are-now standpoint, this installment really brings that “growing up” theme onto the table. In the beginning magic was fun and exciting, now it’s all about survival in a world of fear and uncertainty. Friendships and trust are being tested daily. Hogwarts is now out of the picture as the characters are thrown out into the “real world” where the war ensues, and sacrifices and tragedy occur.

It’s been a long 6 years (in Harry Potter world) and everything is finally coming into play. Although this movie was just one more lead-up, Part 2 should be the amazing finale that we are all hoping for (at least I am). Otherwise I’m just going to have to re-read all of the books and forget the movies ever happened.